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RESEARCH PRODUCT
α-Hydroxy-Isocaproic Acid (HICA)—Effects on Body Composition, Muscle Soreness and Athletic Performance
Juha J. HulmiTimo SeppäläTuomo OjalaJacob M. WilsonAntti A. MeroTuomo Karilasubject
chemistry.chemical_classificationmedicine.medical_specialtyAnabolismCatabolismIsocaproic acidConnective tissueBiologyAmino acidProtein catabolismEndocrinologymedicine.anatomical_structureBiochemistrychemistryInternal medicinemedicineComposition (visual arts)Leucinedescription
Alfa-hydroxy-isocaproic acid (HICA) is an end product of leucine metabolism in human tissues such as muscle and connective tissue. Clinical and experimental studies indicate that HICA may be considered as an anti-catabolic substance. Intensive exercise leads not only to anabolism but also to catabolism in the muscle. The latter is associated with breakdown of muscle proteins and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Several studies indicate that free branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, and their transaminated metabolites, such as α-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC), may alleviate symptoms associated with exercise-induced catabolism. Recent findings suggest that HICA effectively relieves the symptoms of DOMS and protects muscle from catabolism. Thus, HICA may be beneficial for high-intensity training athletes who often experience stiff and sore muscles, which limit effective training.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-01-01 |